The new De Beers-LVMH joint venture plans to open its first U.S. store next year in New York’s St. Regis Hotel, spokeswoman Joan Parker told JCK.

The store, located on 55th and 5th, is due to open in fourth quarter 2003. At the same time, a store will also open in Tokyo.

The venture’s first chain will open on London’s Bond Street this November. The stores will be called “De Beers” and will feature “fashion jewelry with a twist,” Parker says. International supermodel Iman has already signed on as the chain’s “style icon.”

JCK